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Key Points

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first against Zimbabwe in Harare. Brian Bennett's explosive 81 helped Zimbabwe post a competitive 175/7 in their 20 overs. The visitors chased down the target thanks to Nissanka's quickfire 55 and Kamindu's match-winning 41 not out. Sri Lanka now lead the three-match T20I series 1-0 after this four-wicket victory.

Key Points: Pathum Nissanka Kamindu Mendis Guide Sri Lanka to T20I Win Over Zimbabwe

  • Pathum Nissanka smashed 55 off 32 balls in a 96-run opening stand
  • Brian Bennett top-scored for Zimbabwe with 81 from 57 deliveries
  • Kamindu Mendis sealed victory with an unbeaten 41 off just 16 balls
  • Dushmantha Chameera was pick of bowlers with 3/30 for Sri Lanka
1 min read

Nissanka's cameo guides Sri Lanka to 4 wicket win over Zimbabwe in 1st T20I

Sri Lanka beat Zimbabwe by 4 wickets in 1st T20I as Nissanka's 55 and Kamindu's explosive 41* secure victory despite Brian Bennett's 81 for the hosts.

"Kamindu's high-impact knock earned him the 'Player of the Match' award. - Match Report"

Harare, September 3

Pathum Nissanka's cameo of 41 helped Sri Lanka secure a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare on Wednesday and take a lead of 1-0 in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first.

Brian Bennett (81 in 57 balls, with 12 fours) stitched a 50-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Sikandar Raza (28 in 22 balls, with two fours and a six) and another 51-run stand with Ryan Burl (17).

Zimbabwe posted 175/7 in their 20 overs.

Dushmantha Chameera (3/30) was the pick of the bowlers for SL. Nuwan Thushara, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushan Hemantha took a wicket a piece.

Sri Lanka got off to a solid start with a 96-run opening stand between Nissanka (55 in 32 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Kusal Mendis (38 in 35 balls, with four boundaries).

SL suffered a hiccup, reduced to 142/6, with Richard Ngarava (2/19), Blessing Muzarabani, Tinotenda Maposa, Brad Evans and Raza getting one wicket each.

However, Kamindu (41* in 16 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Dushan Hemantha (14* in nine balls, with two fours) took SL to the target with four wickets and five balls in hand.

Kamindu's high-impact knock earned him the 'Player of the Match' award.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Brian Bennett played really well for Zimbabwe - 81 runs is no joke. But Sri Lanka's batting depth made the difference in the end. Good contest overall! 👍
A
Aman W
Nissanka's cameo was crucial but the middle order collapse was worrying. SL needs to work on their batting consistency if they want to compete against bigger teams. Still, a win is a win! 🏏
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Sarah B
Zimbabwe always plays with so much heart at home! They really made Sri Lanka work for this victory. Bennett and Raza were excellent. Hope they bounce back in the next match.
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Karthik V
Kamindu deserved that Player of the Match award! Came in when the pressure was building and finished it in style. That's what separates good teams from great ones. 🇱🇰
M
Michael C
Good to see competitive cricket from both sides. Zimbabwe's bowling attack looked sharp, especially Ngarava with 2/19. The series should be interesting!

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